Dissertation defence (Nursing science): MSc Lisa van Dongen
Time
25.4.2025 at 12.00 - 16.00
MSc Lisa van Dongen defends the dissertation in Nursing science titled “PhD-prepared nurses leading their careers” at the University of Turku on 25 April 2025 at 12.00 (University of Turku, Natura, X, Turku).
Opponent: Professor Walter Sermeus (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Custos: Professor Riitta Suhonen (University of Turku)
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://echo360.org.uk/section/09741f0d-34a2-499e-87f0-4c009cf9f072/public
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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
PhD-prepared nurses play a crucial role in the advancement of nursing and nursing science by conducting scientific research, educating nurses, and shaping healthcare policies. Despite their important contributions, limited research has been conducted on their careers and leadership. As healthcare systems face growing challenges, such as a rising number of patients with complex care needs and persistent workforce shortages, the contributions of PhD-prepared nurses play a critical role in advancing nursing and tackling these challenges. Understanding how PhD-prepared nurses navigate their careers and what support sources are available is important for stimulating professional development.
This dissertation explored the careers of PhD-prepared nurses, the leadership practices they use to advance their careers, and the support systems that contribute to their professional development, using a combination of research methods.
Findings revealed that PhD-prepared nurses actively use leadership practices in their careers, such as setting career goals, taking actions to achieve them, and demonstrating resilience. The results show that PhD-prepared nurses work in diverse positions, with most focusing on research and teaching. Careers were influenced by factors such as intrinsic motivation, work-life balance, workplace behaviors, and the development of professional and leadership competencies. Support sources for careers included family and friends, collegial support and collaboration, mentoring, and organizational infrastructures. Participation in a leadership and mentoring programs contributed to career and leadership advancement.
These findings highlight the need to invest in career support sources and opportunities for leadership development. By supporting their professional growth, the nursing profession can continue to develop, ultimately improving patient outcomes, nursing education, and healthcare systems.
Opponent: Professor Walter Sermeus (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Custos: Professor Riitta Suhonen (University of Turku)
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://echo360.org.uk/section/09741f0d-34a2-499e-87f0-4c009cf9f072/public
***
Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
PhD-prepared nurses play a crucial role in the advancement of nursing and nursing science by conducting scientific research, educating nurses, and shaping healthcare policies. Despite their important contributions, limited research has been conducted on their careers and leadership. As healthcare systems face growing challenges, such as a rising number of patients with complex care needs and persistent workforce shortages, the contributions of PhD-prepared nurses play a critical role in advancing nursing and tackling these challenges. Understanding how PhD-prepared nurses navigate their careers and what support sources are available is important for stimulating professional development.
This dissertation explored the careers of PhD-prepared nurses, the leadership practices they use to advance their careers, and the support systems that contribute to their professional development, using a combination of research methods.
Findings revealed that PhD-prepared nurses actively use leadership practices in their careers, such as setting career goals, taking actions to achieve them, and demonstrating resilience. The results show that PhD-prepared nurses work in diverse positions, with most focusing on research and teaching. Careers were influenced by factors such as intrinsic motivation, work-life balance, workplace behaviors, and the development of professional and leadership competencies. Support sources for careers included family and friends, collegial support and collaboration, mentoring, and organizational infrastructures. Participation in a leadership and mentoring programs contributed to career and leadership advancement.
These findings highlight the need to invest in career support sources and opportunities for leadership development. By supporting their professional growth, the nursing profession can continue to develop, ultimately improving patient outcomes, nursing education, and healthcare systems.
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